In my last blog post, I reported that I have re-discovered loom knitting– Ultimate Oval Loom knitting to be exact.
A few months ago, Leisure Arts sent me their new “Ultimate Oval Loom” to use and write a review. Because of their request, I have developed a new appreciation for loom knitting.
Ultimate Oval Loom Knitting Set (# 47833) is from Leisure Arts and retails for $19.99.
Leisure Arts’ online description of the loom is:
“The Innovative Oval Loom Knitting Set contains two looms which are shaped for easy handling and let you use the most popular yarns in light or medium weights. Learn the basics of loom knitting while you create fabulous fashions and expand your loom collection to do small-gauge projects! In the Ultimate Oval Loom Knitting Set for Beginners from Leisure Arts, you’ll receive looms in two sizes (with 54 and 70 pegs), a stitching tool, and a 48-page Beginner’s Guide with clear photos and friendly step-by-step instructions. Projects include Basic Beanie, Striped Beanie, Fingerless Mitts, Family Tube Socks, Twisted Garter Hat, Twisted Garter Scarf, and Lace Cowl. Free technique videos are available at LeisureArts.com. Recommended for ages 8 and up.”
Knitting on the Ultimate Oval Loom
I decided to knit the Lace Cowl featured in the Beginner’s Guide that comes with the set. I used the oval 70-peg loom and my hand-dyed alpaca yarn.
Because I was knitting in my spare time, I completed the cowl within a week. I used the following techniques: E-wrap cast on, E-wrap knit stitch, knit 2 together, yarn over, and simple bind off.
Below is the cowl before blocking. Sorry, the color does not show correctly..
Unblocked Lace CowlThe cowl after blocking but still on the blocking mat.
Blocked Lace CowlThe completed and blocked cowl.
Lace CowlThe Review
The Oval Loom is very comfortable to hold and knit around. Because the pegs are spaced 1/2″ apart versus 5/8″, Leisure Arts designed The Ultimate Oval Loom for worsted weight and lighter yarns.
In addition to the lace cowl, I also played around with knitted fabric using the knit and purl stitches for stockinette, ribbing, and garter. I was pleased with the results.
Because other looms I have used had the wider peg spacing, I had to use double strands for projects. Being able to use a single strand really makes knitting a breeze on the Oval Loom.
My left hand has been giving me problems with strength, mobility, and pain on movement. Now, I can knit most of the same items I would normally knit with needles. Because the oval shape is less cumbersome than the round or rectangle looms, I could knit on Ultimate Oval Loom without aggravating my left hand. Also, having two sizes of looms, gives you the ability to make a wide range of projects.
In conclusion, I recommend that anyone interested in loom knitting give the Ultimate Oval Loom Knitting Set by Leisure Arts a knit. Thank you, Leisure Arts, for reintroducing me to loom knitting.
